botox in the bladder
Botox (Botulinum Toxin) injection into the bladder is a well-established treatment for overactive bladder and urgency incontinence, including urgency incontinence associated with neurological disease. Although it is less effective, Botox has also been used to treat stress incontinence. The treatment involves injecting small amounts of Botox directly into the bladder muscle (detrusor) under cystoscopic control. The procedure can be done as a day case in the clinic, or occasionally under general anaesthetic either in theatre or at the bedside. After a short hospital stay, patients are discharged home with a catheter and are advised not to drive for 24 hours. Botox is not a cure but can improve symptoms significantly, often dramatically reducing urinary frequency and urgency. Botox lasts on average only around 6 months before the effect wears off and re-treatment is necessary. There is no evidence that repeated treatments do any harm to the bladder but there may be some increased risk of